GNLF chief Subhas Ghisingh stranded near Bagdogra airport

Darjeeling, Feb 18 (UNI) Gorkha National Liberation Front(GNLF) chief Subhas Ghisingh was today stranded on the outskirts of Siliguri on his way to Darjeeling hills from Bagdogra airport due to fear of a possible GJMM attack.

''He is presently in Pinpalvillave village, on the outskirts of Siliguri. Although we have left no stone unturned to ensure his security, Mr Ghisingh did not feel it was safe to leave for the GNLF headquaters,'' West Police DIG, Darjeeling Range, D T Lepcha said and added that they would make all arrangements for his asfe transport tomorrow, but whether or not he would leave Pinpalvillave is totally up to him.

Incidentally, there was an attack on Mr Ghisingh's life on February 10 2001.

The Gorkha Jana Mukti Morcha(GJMM) are maintaining their road bloackades on all major connectors lifting them only every alternate hour to allow normal traffic.

GJMM spokesperson Binoy Tamang said, ''We will not allow him to enter the Hills under any circumstance. Our supporters are picketing and blocking the roads from all directions to Darjeeling and we would ensure that he is not able to enter the hills.

''Our movement to remove Ghisingh from his post and cancel the Sixth Schedule will continue unabated and if need be we would intensify it,'' he said.

GNLF Darjeeliong Committee President Deepak Gurung has blamed the Centre and the State Government for the unrest in the hills and added ''If Darjeeling could have been brought under the Sixth Schedule then this situation could have been averted.'' Meanwhile, security was on high alert today in view of the strike in the Darjeeling hills and two bullet proof vehicles had been provided for the GNLF chief.

UNI XC LL/SRC AKJ BD2143